Iran discovers major new gas reserves amid war-hit energy sector

Iran said on Sunday it had discovered more than 200 billion cubic metres of natural gas, months into the Middle Eastwar that has hit the country's energy infrastructure and production.

"New gas reserves were discovered in the south of Fars province," Petroleum Minister Mohsen Paknejad told state television, adding that over 160 billion cubic metres could be extracted from the field.

He described it as sweet natural gas, which has very little of the toxic gas hydrogen sulphide, resulting in lower operating and development costs.

According to Bloomberg, any new production from the site would likely be years away.

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Iran's energy sector has taken a hit since joint US-Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic launched the Middle East war in late February.

The countries have struck Iran's energy infrastructure such as gas production facilities or oil depots, as well as transport routes.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)